Jon Reinaker LENS 4- Hugo Cabret Pupose: To show the message behind the styling and details of the novel Audience: Readers & Writers, Children & Teachers Engagement: To show my understanding of the symolism portrayed in the story and the overall structure of the book itself Genre: Reader-as-Writer
The book The Invention of Hugo Cabret written by Brian Selznick is an inspirational story about a young boy’s complexity and his perseverance in completing the task at hand; assembling his best friend. Although a fictional storyline, there is a lesson to be learned much like every story written; a message to be conveyed for each individual to interpret. Selznick does a spectacular job in this novel in capturing a sense of adventure yet achieving a level of relatability among readers. I learned a great deal from this style of literature and there is a lot to be said about the format and illustrations of this imaginative story.
In grasping his audience, Selznick uses a rather odd introductory style that draws the reader’s attention without the use of words; rather illustrations. There are a number of “picture” pages where we catch a glimpse of some setting information, characters involved, and an idea as to where the story’s roots are found. His attention to detail is impeccable and his grayscale pencil shaded drawings offer the reader a unique glance into the author’s world; a portal in which we can actually look through Selznick’s eyes and see the vivid world in which Hugo thrives in. Despite the vivid visual aspects of the novel itself, there is a great deal in craftsmanship involved in the book itself. From the outside of the book, to the detailed clock gears inside, the novel presents itself in a way that involves no words but rather a unique appearance that draws in the reader. This literary masterpiece has spoken for itself with no need for interpretation and I think that is a goal worth mentioning because after all, the intention of writing is to have the world want to open its’ pages and to be explored; Selznick hit a homerun as far as craftsmanship and attention to detail is concerned and that’s apparent with the novel’s 4.7 star rating.
This story serves as a wonderful mentor for new writer’s because of its’ non-traditional style and format. This promotes a unique style and encourages writers to break the mold so to speak and to create a format that suites their imagination and level of creativity. There will always be an audience for every piece of literature; always someone to appreciate style, format, and inspiration. Selznick reiterates the importance of uniqueness also with the way he utilizes a historical art form in his novel. An automaton is a mechanical figure that mimics human abilities remarkably and Selznick utilizes its’ advanced technology with the precision of a 12yr. old boy who has gained the skills of his father, a clockmaker. A wonderful interpretation and pairing in regards to a historical past time linked to a lost art form. This truly promotes uniqueness in a prime example and I feel that this story excites the bond between one’s imagination and reality. Showing the limits of these aspects in human nature that conform as one through literature; a beautiful symmetry that is captured in the novel.
In essence, I believe that Selznick outdid himself in this novel because there is so much more symbolic meaning behind many of the objects involved and events that take place; a master in showing the connection between history, art, and youth. Thus, he is creating a message that portrays children as the minds of the future and how powerful and youthful the human mind can be. With an array of styles, illustrative textures, and symbolism used, this book sends a message not only to readers, but to writers everywhere as well; a message that entails the utilization of one’s creativity and the need for perseverance in life and its obstacles. In this case, it was Hugo putting together a key piece in his life; his father’s automaton serving as his only connection to his father. This situation being relatable to the reader emphasizing the fact that everyone has some sort of road block in life, and with determination, strong will, and a balance of imagination and reality, man can overcome these obstacles and capture the true meaning of our personal existence.
LENS 4- Hugo Cabret
Pupose: To show the message behind the styling and details of the novel
Audience: Readers & Writers, Children & Teachers
Engagement: To show my understanding of the symolism portrayed in the story and the overall structure of the book itself
Genre: Reader-as-Writer
The book The Invention of Hugo Cabret written by Brian Selznick is an inspirational story about a young boy’s complexity and his perseverance in completing the task at hand; assembling his best friend. Although a fictional storyline, there is a lesson to be learned much like every story written; a message to be conveyed for each individual to interpret. Selznick does a spectacular job in this novel in capturing a sense of adventure yet achieving a level of relatability among readers. I learned a great deal from this style of literature and there is a lot to be said about the format and illustrations of this imaginative story.
In grasping his audience, Selznick uses a rather odd introductory style that draws the reader’s attention without the use of words; rather illustrations. There are a number of “picture” pages where we catch a glimpse of some setting information, characters involved, and an idea as to where the story’s roots are found. His attention to detail is impeccable and his grayscale pencil shaded drawings offer the reader a unique glance into the author’s world; a portal in which we can actually look through Selznick’s eyes and see the vivid world in which Hugo thrives in. Despite the vivid visual aspects of the novel itself, there is a great deal in craftsmanship involved in the book itself. From the outside of the book, to the detailed clock gears inside, the novel presents itself in a way that involves no words but rather a unique appearance that draws in the reader. This literary masterpiece has spoken for itself with no need for interpretation and I think that is a goal worth mentioning because after all, the intention of writing is to have the world want to open its’ pages and to be explored; Selznick hit a homerun as far as craftsmanship and attention to detail is concerned and that’s apparent with the novel’s 4.7 star rating.
This story serves as a wonderful mentor for new writer’s because of its’ non-traditional style and format. This promotes a unique style and encourages writers to break the mold so to speak and to create a format that suites their imagination and level of creativity. There will always be an audience for every piece of literature; always someone to appreciate style, format, and inspiration. Selznick reiterates the importance of uniqueness also with the way he utilizes a historical art form in his novel. An automaton is a mechanical figure that mimics human abilities remarkably and Selznick utilizes its’ advanced technology with the precision of a 12yr. old boy who has gained the skills of his father, a clockmaker. A wonderful interpretation and pairing in regards to a historical past time linked to a lost art form. This truly promotes uniqueness in a prime example and I feel that this story excites the bond between one’s imagination and reality. Showing the limits of these aspects in human nature that conform as one through literature; a beautiful symmetry that is captured in the novel.
In essence, I believe that Selznick outdid himself in this novel because there is so much more symbolic meaning behind many of the objects involved and events that take place; a master in showing the connection between history, art, and youth. Thus, he is creating a message that portrays children as the minds of the future and how powerful and youthful the human mind can be. With an array of styles, illustrative textures, and symbolism used, this book sends a message not only to readers, but to writers everywhere as well; a message that entails the utilization of one’s creativity and the need for perseverance in life and its obstacles. In this case, it was Hugo putting together a key piece in his life; his father’s automaton serving as his only connection to his father. This situation being relatable to the reader emphasizing the fact that everyone has some sort of road block in life, and with determination, strong will, and a balance of imagination and reality, man can overcome these obstacles and capture the true meaning of our personal existence.